Photo: Unsplash
Photo: Unsplash
Level 2 has been active in South Africa for the best part of a week, and already, the moral panic about alcohol consumption has returned. Several ministers have expressed their dismay over a number of booze-fuelled incidents from the last seven days – but it is two SAPS officials who have stolen the headlines, here:
A Constable in Sedibeng ended up smashing into an accident scene while bladdered behind the wheel. Meanwhile, a Johannesburg cop ended up in a similar situation, colliding with a Metro police vehicle. Charges of driving under the influece, speeding, and negligent driving were also filed against the officers:
“A 27-year-old Constable was arrested in Sedibeng on Saturday, after driving into an accident and injuring a bystander. He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as reckless & negligent driving.”
A Sergeant was arrested in Norwood, Johannesburg on Thursday night after his car collided with a Metro police vehicle. The 37-year-old was arrested on the spot and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol.”
Government statement
Despite failing to set the example, law enforcement officers have urged citizens to drink responsibly while Level 2 restrictions are in place. Government released a statement about these incidents earlier in the day, asking the liquor industry to cooperate with them and ‘curb the scourge of alcohol abuse’:
“We have noticed that some people do not abide by alert level 2 regulations which place restrictions on gathering and we urge law enforcement authorities to play their role in bringing the culprits to book.”
“In the midst of a pandemic, it cannot be acceptable that health-care workers in our hospitals have to deal with high numbers of cases at the trauma units as a result of alcohol. Government further appeals to the liquor industry to strengthen current efforts with the government that aim to curb the scourge of alcohol abuse.”
Government statement